Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The commercial loan portfolio reached $10.7 billion, reflecting a 6.5% increase quarter over quarter and a 23% increase year over year [5] - Net interest income totaled $65.3 million, with a net interest margin of 2.36%, remaining resilient and in line with guidance [6][19] - Deposits rose to $5.9 billion, up 8% quarter over quarter and 24% year over year, representing almost 60% of total funding [5][15] - Net income for the quarter was $51.7 million, with a return on equity of 15.4% [7][25] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The total loan portfolio reached a record $8.7 billion, up 18% year over year and 4% quarter over quarter [10] - The contingency portfolio, including letters of credit and guarantees, grew to nearly $2 billion, up 20% quarter over quarter and 49% year over year [11] - Fee income totaled $10.6 million, up 12% year over year, with letters of credit generating $6.7 million in fees [6][20] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Strong performance was noted in Argentina, Mexico, and Guatemala, contributing to the growth of the loan portfolio [5][11] - The bank maintained a strong liquidity position with $1.9 billion in liquid assets, representing 15% of total assets [12] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on building a robust and diversified pipeline with long-standing clients, particularly in sectors less exposed to tariff discussions [4] - A proactive commercial execution strategy is in place, supported by close client relationships and deep local market insights [4] - The company aims to maintain its full-year guidance despite global uncertainties, emphasizing prudent execution and long-term value creation [31] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - The global economic environment has shifted, leading to increased uncertainty and potential impacts on growth forecasts [27] - Latin America remains relatively insulated from direct tariff effects, with opportunities to benefit from shifts in global supply chains [29] - The company is well-positioned to manage exposures and capitalize on arising opportunities, with only 15% of its trade finance portfolio linked to the US [30] Other Important Information - The capital ratio remains strong at above 15%, with a quarterly dividend of $0.0625 per share approved, reflecting confidence in earnings outlook [8][18] - The efficiency ratio improved to 26.9%, down from 29.2% in the prior quarter, indicating effective cost management [22] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is driving the increase in operating costs, and what can be expected going forward? - The increase in costs is mainly due to headcount growth, IT investments, and consulting fees tied to the execution of the strategic plan. The pace of hiring is expected to decelerate moving forward [34][36] Question: Can you comment on the growth in the commercial book and its sustainability? - The off-balance sheet growth was higher than expected, driven by the oil and gas sector in Argentina. The company anticipates continued growth in letters of credit, supported by a robust pipeline [40][45] Question: Can you elaborate on the impact of high volatility on spreads and potential upside risks to NIM guidance? - The company has maintained lending margins above December 2024 levels despite competitive pricing. Active balance sheet management and a strong pipeline are expected to benefit margins moving forward [56][62] Question: Why did the letters of credit business show a decrease in fee income despite growth in the balance? - The increase in balance occurred towards the end of the quarter, with income benefits expected to reflect more in the second quarter. The dynamics of commitments and letters of credit are expected to normalize [58][60]

EastGroup Properties (EGP) Q1 2025 Earnings Call April 25, 2025 02:15 AM ET Company Participants Marshall Loeb - President & CEONone - ExecutiveBrent Wood - Executive VP, CFO & TreasurerSamir Khanal - DirectorAlexander Goldfarb - Managing DirectorJohn Kim - Managing Director - US Real EstateVikram Malhotra - Managing DirectorRonald Kamdem - Managing Director & Head of US REITs and CRE ResearchOmotayo Okusanya - Managing DirectorRichard Anderson - Managing Director - Equity ResearchMichael Carroll - Managing ...

EastGroup Properties, Inc. (NYSE:EGP) Q1 2025 Earnings Conference Call April 24, 2025 11:00 AM ET Company Participants Marshall Loeb - President and CEO Brent Wood - CFO Conference Call Participants Blaine Heck - Wells Fargo Samir Khanal - Bank of America Craig Mailman - Citi Alexander Goldfarb - Piper Sandler John Kim - BMO Capital Markets Vikram Malhotra - Mizuho Securities Ronald Kamdem - Morgan Stanley Todd Thomas - KeyBanc Capital Markets Omotayo Okusanya - Deutsche Bank Mick Mueller - JPMorgan Rich An ...